Fundraiser overflows for family of Aidan Hicks

A fundraising event was held Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in Windsor for the family of Aidan Hicks, 7, who died in a multi-vehicle crash on I-75 in Detroit last week. Another fundraiser will be held Marc 2 in Amherstburg. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)

The jam-packed fundraiser overflowed with almost as much zest as the honouree had during his short life.

The Thursday night event raised money and love for the family of Aidan Hicks, 7, killed with his sister Gabrielle Greenwood, 9, the morning of Jan. 31 in a multi-vehicle crash during a winter whiteout on I-75.

Paul Hicks, who briefly took the stage at Just Your Average Joe’s crowded banquet hall Thursday with his wife Melissa, said thank you was not enough to express his gratitude for the outpouring of support.

“One thing that makes me happy is I know that Aidan would be astonished at how many people are involved in this, and how many people he touched and are here for him and for us. He’d be amazed,” Hicks said, choking up. “Anyone and everyone who’s had anything to do with this here tonight, Aidan will be at the gates to open them for you guys when it’s time.”

A fundraising event was held Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in Windsor for the family of Aidan Hicks, 7, who died in a multi-vehicle crash on I-75 in Detroit last week. The event was held at the Average Joe’s banquet room and attracted a capacity crowd. Aidan’s parents Paul and Melissa Hicks speak during the event. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star

Many attendees offered hugs and condolences. They also formed a line around the room to pick up a pasta-and-salad dinner, and ate in shifts because there weren’t enough seats for everyone in the 350-person-capacity hall.

“This turnout is absolutely outstanding,” said Art Lesny, one of the five neighbours of Hicks who organized the event. “Riverside is still like a small town. There’s such a good feeling here tonight. It’s unbelievable.”

The fundraiser was hatched over tea.

“Melissa gave me a call the day it happened and she was just mortified,” said Christa Caruana. “So Saturday morning all of our neighbours got together for a cup of tea and lots of tears and within five minutes we decided as a team to do this for the family, to raise money to help cover funeral costs and the lost wages and everything else.”

Besides dinner, the event offered about 150 raffle items from TVs to bikes, a baked goods table and a donations jar stuffed with bills by early evening. All volunteers wore orange, as did Paul and Melissa Hicks, in honour of Aidan’s favourite colour.

Kim Bouchard, another neighbour, said Aidan brought life to the east-side neighbourhood where he often spent time.

“He was just outside all the time, with all the kids,” Bouchard said. “He was very outgoing. Big smile.

“And he loved his siblings. You could just see the love in that family.”

Donations can be made at any TD Canada Trust branch. Donations are made to: Branch 3884, account 6342115.

A fundraising event was held Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in Windsor for the family of Aidan Hicks, 7, who died in a multi-vehicle crash on I-75 in Detroit last week. The event was held at the Average Joe’s banquet room and attracted a capacity crowd. Hank Brecka pays Denise Zanier admission to the event. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)

Christa Caruana, one of the organizers, sells tickets during Thursday’s fundraiser for the family of Aidan Hicks. (DAN JANISSE/The Windsor Star)

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